PIA Press Release2005/08/12

MANILA (12 August) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has commended the leaders and people of Zamboanga City, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in standing their grounds in taking suspected bombers into account.

The Chief Executive made the commendation as authorities held six men for questioning believed to be Abu Sayyaf members and involved in the recent bombings in the city that wounded 26 people.

President Arroyo said the nation is facing a desperate resurgence of terrorism but will not succeed because the authorities are on top of the situation and the people are vigilant and determined to fight it.

She pointed out that with the people's vigilance and closer partnerships with the regional and global allies, the country shall continue to keep terror at bay and bring terrorists to justice.

"Our fight against fight against terror will be as relentless as our fight to strengthen democracy and freedom, as shown by the holding of clean and peaceful elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)," Mrs. Arroyo added. (PIA-MMIO) [top]